Van Gerwen started the match with a neat 14-darter on his own throw, before Clemens managed to level up. Then "Mighty Mike" responded with a 12-darter, before Clemens also produced a 12-darter of his own.
The fifth leg went to Van Gerwen with a 13-darter, after which Clemens again held. The seventh leg also went with the darts. Clemens missed a break opportunity on the bullseye, after which Van Gerwen kept his own leg with a 64 finish.
In the eighth leg, Van Gerwen could not throw out 92, after which Clemens made it 4-4 with a 13-darter. The German then started Van Gerwen's leg with two 180s. With 'Mighty Mike' trailing by a large margin, Clemens took the leg with a 10-darter, after missing the double 18 for a nine-darter a turn earlier. Clemens then decided the match in fine fashion with a 104 finish.
“This is my first win over Michael and it’s amazing for me,” reflected Clemens post match. “In my opinion Michael is the best player in the world – he is a legend."
For Clemens, this result is a huge boost. 'The German Giant' is having a disappointing season, and later this year must defend his semi-final place at the World Darts Championship from two years ago. “I hope I can produce this type of performance more often, but I’m just lost for words!”
On Sunday afternoon, Clemens will be back in action at the Flanders Darts Trophy. He will face Dave Chisnall in the third round. The German has never reached the semifinals of a Euro Tour tournament, but Clemens has reached the quarterfinals four times.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
THE GERMAN GIANT BEATS MVG!
After missing D18 for a nine-darter in the previous leg, Gabriel Clemens takes out 104 to beat Michael van Gerwen 6-4, averaging over 107!
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🔜 M Schindler v P Wright